Director, Research Programs

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Program Director at UAMS provides administrative leadership and strategic oversight for the College of Pharmacy's research and graduate portfolio, with a focus on pre-award development and program growth. This role collaborates closely with the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies to advance research productivity by identifying funding opportunities, aligning proposals with sponsor priorities, and supporting faculty in crafting competitive grant applications, budgets, and justifications. The Director ensures regulatory compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements while supporting pre- and post-award processes. They strengthen the college's research infrastructure by serving as a liaison with research administration, innovation, and technology transfer units, and by fostering collaborations across departments and external partners. Key responsibilities include tracking research metrics, forecasting funding trends, supporting complex multi-investigator initiatives (e.g., center, training, and program grants), overseeing research workflows, budget management, contracts, and material transfer agreements. The Director also supports SBIR/STTR activities, graduate program budgets, and ensures adherence to human and animal subject protections. Effective communication with faculty, agencies, and stakeholders is essential to maintaining a high-performing research enterprise. Step into a pivotal role at UAMS and drive transformative growth in our research enterprise. Your expertise will shape the future of our mission and empower a dynamic research community.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
Five (5) years of administration, financial, and/or operational experience.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Proficiency in planning, research, and analysis techniques.
Ability to develop comprehensive project reports.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or a research discipline.
Four (4+) years of experience in research administration and management.
Skills in technical writing, grant writing, budgeting for research grants, and preparing online training tools.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations.
Familiarity with UAMS systems, including Workday, grants management, and CLARA.

Responsibilities

Provides administrative leadership and strategic oversight for the College of Pharmacy's research and graduate portfolio, with a focus on pre-award development and program growth.
Collaborates closely with the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies to advance research productivity by identifying funding opportunities, aligning proposals with sponsor priorities, and supporting faculty in crafting competitive grant applications, budgets, and justifications.
Ensures regulatory compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements while supporting pre- and post-award processes.
Strengthens the college's research infrastructure by serving as a liaison with research administration, innovation, and technology transfer units, and by fostering collaborations across departments and external partners.
Tracks research metrics, forecasts funding trends, and supports complex multi-investigator initiatives (e.g., center, training, and program grants).
Oversees research workflows, budget management, contracts, and material transfer agreements.
Supports SBIR/STTR activities and graduate program budgets.
Ensures adherence to human and animal subject protections.
Maintains effective communication with faculty, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure a high-performing research enterprise.